Advanced Manufacturing

Welder

A welder uses hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment to join metal parts or to fill holes and seams of metal products.

Are you skilled with your hands and calm under pressure? Interested in crafting things for a living? As a welder, you’ll be able to explore your interests in an exciting environment. It will require a steady hand, lots of physical strength, and an eye for quality and detail. Welders use high heat in order to attach two metals together. You’ll need to be able to read technical drawings and set up various components and parts accordingly, then weld them using a torch. You might work with a partner or in a team, which will require excellent communication skills and a concern for others. You’ll need to keep in mind safety codes and regulations at all times and report any unsafe activity or situations. Other tools will also be used and will vary depending on the project and materials.

Potential employers will expect you to have undergone some training before applying for the job. Look for vocation or certification courses, or a degree that offers hands-on experience. An apprenticeship program is another way to try out welding and gain some knowledge.